The state government has provided funding for schools across Victoria to ensure that they are well-prepared for the upcoming bushfire season by providing grants to slash vegetation growth and reduce the risk of fire.
Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas, has announced funding to local government schools totalling $8.4 million to carry out essential maintenance work through the Bushfire Preparedness (Vegetation) Program (BPVP).
Local schools receiving the grants are Daylesford Secondary College ($35,000), Daylesford Primary School ($27,000), Trentham District Primary School ($22,000), Hepburn Primary School ($22,000), Bullarto Primary School ($20,000) and Yandoit Primary School ($18,000).
The program was introduced in 2018 to help schools undertake essential vegetation clearance around school buildings prior to the bushfire season and in accordance with municipal fire danger periods.
Schools receiving funds are listed on the Bushfire at Risk Register (BARR), with the work aimed at mitigating the risk of harm to the school’s community and buildings in the event of a bushfire.
The BPVP also provides a School Support Program, where an accredited Bushfire Planning and Design consultant visits a school twice a year to help them prepare for the upcoming bushfire season while also making sure they complete a Vegetation Management Plan every three years.
“We know how devastating bushfires are and just how long-lasting their impacts can be,” said Minister for Education, Ben Carroll. “That’s why we’re continuing to support schools to be as fire-ready as possible. These grants will help more than 330 schools at risk of fire clear vegetation – to protect their classrooms and facilities in the event of a bushfire.”
